Chapter One

"Dhairine…"

Dairine heard her voice being called from the direction of her house.

"Roshaun?" She squinted through the fog. Jeez, I can't see five feet in front of me! Oh well…

"Roshaun?" She called again. "Is that you?" Was anyone even there? Aha! she thought as she spotted Roshaun's tall figure making its way through the trees.

"Do you need help with something?" she asked his silhouette.

"I wanted to talk to you, Dhairine," Roshaun said softly, stepping into the clearing where she stood.

"What is it?" Dairine asked.

Roshaun walked slowly towards her, not meeting her eyes. Confused, she watched him.

"What are you doing?"

He was right in front of her now. Slowly, he took her hands.

"Ok, this is just a little creepy. Spit it out!"

Roshaun slowly raised his eyes to meet hers. There was a lot of uncertainty there, as well as a deeper feeling she couldn't-or wouldn't- identify.

"I-I…" he seemed unable to find words. He started again. "Although it is not proper, I find that I have…"

"What, already?" Dairine asked, torn between annoyance and amusement.

Roshaun exhaled sharply, brushing some of his long hair away from his forehead. Dairine noticed absentmindedly that he was sweating.

"I think I love you."

Dairine's eyes widened. "Um…" It was all her stunned mind could come up with.

Roshaun stepped towards her, still holding her hands. He leaned towards her, his expression unsure. Their lips met.

Oh...My...God... Dairine thought giddily as Roshaun's hands went around her waist. He is an AMAZING kisser.

She twined her hands through his hair, tilting her head up to kiss him more fiercely.

He removed his lips from hers to kiss her neck gently. Dairine gasped, clutching him tighter.

"Roshaun, I love you."

"Dairine…Dairine!"

"Uggg…"

"DAIRINE!"

"Wha?" Dairine awoke with a start. Nita was sitting on the edge of her bed, shaking her.

"Jeez, Runt, are you okay? You were dreaming…about to fall out of bed..."

Dairine stared blearily at Nita's concerned face.

"…I heard you saying Roshaun's name. What were you dreaming about? Do you remember anything?" Nita was saying.

Dairine thought. Something about a clearing… there had been fog, a lot of it. And…

Ohmigod. Dairine's hands flew to her face as the memory of her dream came rushing back. Her. And Roshaun. Kissing. OHMYFREAKINGGOD.

"Dair?" Nita was peering at her concernedly.

"Um, no, I don't remember. Not a thing."

Nita seemed to accept the lie. "Okay." She got up and headed towards the door, stopping when she saw Roshaun walking in her direction. "Dai, Roshaun. Did you need me for something?"

"No, I wanted to speak with Dhairine, if that is permissible." The blond wizard looked at Dairine. She blushed violently as his gaze met hers, but managed to nod.

Nita nodded and left Dairine's room and walked downstairs.

"Dhairine, what's wrong?" Roshaun asked.

"Nothing, why do you ask?" said Dairine, trying not to meet his eyes.

Roshaun looked surprised. "You called me with your mind. You sounded…" he paused, searching for the right word.

"Oh, that! I was, um, dreaming." Dairine said before he could tell her just how she had sounded. She hoped he would leave it at that.

Roshaun didn't say anything for a moment, just looked at her, a strange expression on his face. He seemed about to say something, but then closed his mouth and stood up abruptly.

"Well, if you do not need me, I will go and speak with Sker'ret." Roshaun left the room.

Dairine sat on her bed, stunned. After a few seconds, she rested her head on her knees.

"This is so very, very bad," she groaned.